Drop access location method and system for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit applications

ABSTRACT

A drop access location system and method, where the system includes a duct containing one or more communications lines, where the duct is mountable to a generally flat surface. The system also includes a drop access box including a base and a removable cover having a low impact profile and or decorative appearance. A mounting section of the base is configured to fit over an outer shape of the duct and overhang therefrom. Slack storage is provided and includes one or more guides to route an accessed communications line to a coupling and to store excess amounts of the accessed communications line. The coupling device mounting area is configured to receive a coupling, adapter, or splice that connects the accessed communications line to a drop cable. The drop access location system and method can be utilized for horizontal cabling in multi-dwelling unit (MDU), multi-tenant unit (MTU) and other building applications. A system for installing the drop access location system is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/075,466, filed Jun. 25, 2008; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/094,256, filed Sep. 4, 2008; and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/116,419, filed Nov. 20, 2008. The disclosuresof each of the aforementioned Provisional Applications are incorporatedby reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a drop access location system andmethod of installing the same, for horizontal cabling in multi-dwellingunit (MDU) applications.

2. Background

Several hundred million multiple dwelling units (MDUs) exist globally,which are inhabited by about one third of the world's population. Due tothe large concentration of tenants in one MDU, Fiber-to-the-X (“FTTX”)deployments to these structures are more cost effective to serviceproviders than deployments to single-family homes. Connecting existingMDUs to the FTTX network can often be difficult. Challenges can includegaining building access, limited distribution space in riser closets,and space for cable routing and management. Specifically, FTTXdeployments within existing structures make it difficult to route cableswithin the walls or floors, or above the ceiling from a central closetor stairwell, to each living unit.

Conventionally, a service provider installs an enclosure (also known asa fiber distribution terminal (FDT)) on each floor, or every few floors,of an MDU. The FDT connects the building riser cable to the horizontaldrop cables which run to each living unit on a floor. Drop cables arespliced to the riser cable in the FDT only as service is requested froma tenant in a living unit. These service installations require multiplereentries to the enclosure, putting at risk the security and disruptionof service to other tenants on the floor. This process also increasesthe service provider's capital and operating costs, as this type ofconnection requires the use of an expensive fusion splice machine andhighly skilled labor. Routing and splicing individual drop cables cantake an excessive amount of time, delaying the number of subscribers atechnician can activate in one day, reducing revenues for the serviceprovider. Alternatively, service providers install home run cabling thefull extended length from each living unit in an MDU directly to a fiberdistribution hub (FDH) in the building vault, therefore encompassingboth the horizontal and riser with a single extended drop cable. Thisapproach creates several challenges, including the necessity of firstinstalling a pathway to manage, protect and hide each of the multipledrop cables. This pathway often includes very large (e.g., 4 inch to 6inch) pre-fabricated crown molding made of wood or plastic. Many ofthese pathways, over time, become congested and disorganized, increasingthe risk of service disruption due to fiber bends and excessivere-entry.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a system forcommunications access to a drop location comprises a duct having aconduit portion with a bore formed throughout and containing one or morecommunications lines and a mounting portion to mount the duct to agenerally flat surface. The system also includes an access box includinga base and a cover, the access box including a mounting section formedin the base, a slack storage section formed in at least one of the baseand the cover, and a communications line coupling device mounting areadisposed in the base. The mounting section is configured to fit over anouter shape of the duct and overhang therefrom. The slack storagesection comprises one or more guides to route an accessed communicationsline to the coupling device mounting area and to store excess amounts ofthe accessed communications line. The communications line couplingdevice mounting area is configured to receive at least one of acoupling, an adapter, and a splice that connects the accessedcommunications line to a drop cable.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for installingcommunications access to a drop location in a hallway of a buildingcomprises a duct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughoutand containing one or more communications lines and a mounting portionto mount the duct to a generally flat surface, at least the flangeportion including an adhesive disposed thereon, and a duct applicatortool to continuously receive the duct from a storage structure. Theapplicator tool includes a generally planar frame that supports at leastone duct channel that receives the duct and provides a support surfacethat places a pressing force onto the duct as the duct is applied to thegenerally flat surface. The applicator tool includes one or more ductguides disposable on at least an end of the frame, where the one or moreduct guides guide the duct from its storage structure to the at leastone duct channel.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for providingcommunications lines to the hallway of an existing MDU, MTU, or othersimilar residential or commercial building comprises installing a ductin the hallway of the building, where the duct includes one of aplurality of loosely packed buffered optical fibers and a ribbon fibercable disposed in a conduit portion of the duct. At least one opticalfiber is accessed from the duct at a first fiber drop location. A firstdrop access box is installed at the first drop location, where the firstdrop access box includes a base and a cover. The drop access boxincludes a mounting section formed in the base, a slack storage sectionformed in the base, and a communications line coupling device mountingarea disposed in the base. The drop access box is mounted onto the ductin an overhanging manner to cover the accessed fiber. The accessed fiberis terminated. The terminated accessed fiber is coupled to a couplingand the coupling is mounted in the communications line coupling devicemounting area. The method further includes routing and storing fiberslack from the accessed fiber through the slack storage section of thedrop access box.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The figures and the detailed description that follows moreparticularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a drop access location system according toa first aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of an exemplary flexible duct.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an exemplary drop access box according toan aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of an exemplary drop access box with itscover removed according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of an alternative drop access box with itscover removed according to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view from the back side of an exemplary dropaccess box according to an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary drop access box according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a radius control anchor according toanother aspect of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-8C show views of an alternative drop access box according to anaspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a schematic view of a drop access location systemaccording to another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9B shows a cross-section view of a hybrid cable according toanother aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9C shows a schematic view of a drop access location systemaccording to yet another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of an exemplary MDU having a drop accesslocation system according to an aspect of the present inventioninstalled therein.

FIGS. 11A-11C show different views of a duct applicator tool accordingto another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric view of an alternative flexible ductaccording to another aspect of the invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross section views of alternative ductsaccording to other aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show exemplary corner pieces for use duringinstallation of the drop access location system.

FIGS. 14C and 14D show exemplary outer corner pieces for use duringinstallation of the drop access location system.

FIGS. 15A-15B show different views of an alternative duct applicatortool according to another aspect of the invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “forward,” “trailing,” etc., isused with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described.Because components of embodiments of the present invention can bepositioned in a number of different orientations, the directionalterminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no waylimiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural or logical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is directed to a drop access point or locationinstallation method and system for use in horizontal cablingapplications at an MDU, multiple tenant unit (MTU), or other similarcommercial or residential building location. The system 100 provides apathway for telecommunications wires and access points for droppingindividual communication lines to individual living units, such asresidences or offices, within the MDU, MTU or other building location.The components of the system are designed with low impact profiles forbetter aesthetics. With the drop access point method and systemdescribed herein, new communications wiring, including optical fiber,copper communications wiring, electrical wiring, or a combinationthereof, can be installed on the walls of a corridor or hallway in anexisting building. As such, new or improved service can be provided toindividual living units, which can be accommodated by quickly connectingshort runs of cabling in the living unit to the new communicationswiring pre-positioned outside the living unit when the additionalcommunications line is installed.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a first aspect of the presentinvention, a drop access location system 100. In this example, system100 is installed in a hallway of an exemplary MDU. System 100 can alsobe utilized in other indoor and outdoor applications, and in commercialor residential buildings, such as in office buildings, professionalsuites, hotels, schools, hospitals, and apartment buildings. Whilereference throughout the description is made to MDUs and/or MTUs forsimplicity, this reference is not intended to be limiting, as systems100, 200 (FIG. 9A) or 200′ (FIG. 9B) can be utilized in the otherstructures identified above.

The fiber drop access point system 100 comprises a conduit or duct 110which contains one or more communications lines (such as horizontalcables or lines, not shown in FIG. 1) from a telecommunications closet(or other distribution location) to one or more living units. Thecommunications lines can comprise optical fibers, electrical wires,coaxial/micro-coaxial cable, or a combination of these, for data, video,and/or telephone signal transmission. In one aspect, the communicationslines can comprise discrete (loose) or ribbonized fiber, such as 900 μmbuffered fiber(s) or other standard size communications fiber. Inaddition, although the exemplary aspects described herein are oftenspecific to accessing optical fiber lines, it would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art given the present description that the dropaccess location system can be configured to accommodate coppercommunication wiring, electrical wire drops and/or hybrid combinationdrops as well.

System 100 further comprises one or more access boxes 150 that arelocated at one or more access points 105, such as at or near theentryway of a living unit. As shown in further close-up view in FIG. 3,drop access box 150 includes a base portion 152 and a cover 190. Thebase portion 152 and cover 190 can be formed from a rigid plasticmaterial or metal. The access box 150 (cover and base) can have a lowprofile and/or decorative outer design (such as a wall sconce, rosette,interlaced knot, mission square, shell, leaf, or streamlined industrialdesign), and the access box can be color-matched to the general area ofthe installation, so that the box does not detract from the aestheticappeal of the location where it is installed. The drop access box canalso be provided with lighting devices for illumination. Further, thecover may further include a decorative overlay film laminated to theouter surface(s). Such a film can comprise a 3M™ Di Noc self-adhesivelaminate (available from 3M Company), and can resemble wood grain ormetallic surfaces of the surrounding architecture.

The cover 190 provides protection for the contents of the access boxwhen installed. The cover 190 can be removably mounted onto the base 152of the drop access box 150 via a snug interference fit, with a smallseam. Alternatively, the cover can be mounted via a conventional latchfeature or the cover can be hingedly coupled or tethered to the baseportion 152 of access box 150. In a preferred aspect, the cover snuglyfits onto the base portion 152 of the access box via an interferencefit. The cover may also include a sealing gasket or an overlappingportion to reduce the risk of the intrusion of dirt, dust, water, orother elements. In another aspect, the cover 190 may be further securedto the base 152 via a locking mechanism.

While the box and cover of the exemplary aspects comprise a generallyrectangular shape, the access box 150 can comprise other shapes as well,such as a flattened circular pedestal or a rectangle/square with roundedcorners, beveled edges, ribbed and/or slotted sides. Also, the dropaccess box can have a square shape to resemble an electrical junctionbox, switch, face plate, or lighting fixture, such as a wall sconce. Inaddition, cover 190 can include a hanger tab 167 (see FIG. 5) used totemporarily hold the cover to the base during installation.

In addition, the base can be designed to latch other covers of differentdecorative design and shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the depth ofthe access box 150 when covered with cover 190 is relatively small toprovide a low profile. For example, in one aspect, the access box 150,when covered with cover 190, can have a depth of from about 0.25 inchesto about 1.5 inches, preferably about 1.0 inch. In one aspect, theaccess box can have a length of from about 4 inches to about 8 inchesand a width of from about 2 inches to about 5 inches. If decorativefeatures are attached to the cover, the volume occupied by the accessbox with the decorative feature can be much greater.

In more detail, a close-up isometric view of exemplary duct 110 is shownin FIG. 2. In this example, duct 110 includes a conduit portion 112having a bore 113 provided therethrough. The bore is sized toaccommodate one or more communications lines disposed therein. In apreferred aspect, in use, the duct 110 comprises a plurality ofcommunications lines, such as a fiber ribbon cable. In use, the duct 110can be pre-populated with one or more communications lines. In addition,duct 110 may also be populated with at least one electrical power line.

While conduit portion 112 can have a generally circular cross-section,in alternative embodiments it may have another shape, such as arectangle, square, triangle, oval, or other polygonal shapedcross-section.

In one aspect, duct 110 is a structure formed from a polymeric materialsuch as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), making it flexible, flame retardantand robust. As such, duct 110 can be guided and bent around corners andother structures without cracking or splitting. Duct 110 can becontinuously formed using a conventional extrusion process.

In addition, in some aspects, duct 110 can further include a slit 114that runs the longitudinal length of the duct. Slit 114 can provideaccess for inserting or removing the fiber. In the embodiment of FIG. 2,slit 114 is positioned at the base of the generally circular conduitportion 112. However, in alternative embodiments the slit may bepositioned at a different position (e.g., top or middle) on the conduitportion 112. In an alternative aspect, the slit can be withinoverlapping wall surfaces of the conduit to ensure the communicationslines are properly restrained within the conduit portion. This structurecan further promote a more aesthetically pleasing duct. This alternativeslit can be opened by the installer to access the communications lineswithin the conduit portion. In a further alternative, duct 110 caninclude multiple longitudinal slits for access or separation of services(e.g., for use with a divided conduit). In one example, the slit can besealed (using a conventional heat or laser welding technique) during themanufacturing process after population of the conduit portion withcommunications lines. Accordingly, the duct 110 can be provided to theinstaller without a slit.

Duct 110 also includes a mounting portion 115 or similar flattenedportion to provide support for the duct 110 as it is installed on orfastened to a wall or other generally flat surface, such as a wall,floor, ceiling, or molding. In one aspect, the mounting portion 115 isprovided as a flange. Such a flange can extend along the longitudinalaxis of the duct as shown in FIG. 2. While the exemplary duct includes asingle mounting portion, such as flange 115 positioned (in use) belowthe conduit portion, in an alternative aspects, the mounting portion orflange can be centrally located adjacent the conduit portion. In afurther alternative, duct 110 can include a second flange portion foradded surface area support. Moreover, the flange 115 can be formed as asawtooth shape (not shown) to permit in-plane bends along walls or otherflat surfaces. In alternative applications, a portion of the flange canbe removed for in-plane and out-of-plane bending.

In a preferred aspect, the flange 115 includes a rear surface 116 thathas a generally flat surface shape. This flat surface provides asuitable surface area for adhering the duct 110 to a mounting surface, awall or other surface (e.g., a dry wall, concrete, or other conventionalbuilding material) using an adhesive, such as an epoxy, transferadhesive or double-sided tape. In one alternative aspect, flange surface116 comprises an adhesive-lined surface with a removable liner. In use,the liner can be removed and the surface 116 can be applied to amounting surface. In another aspect, the adhesive can be disposed onmore than one surface of the flange. In alternative aspects, otherfastening techniques (e.g., nails, staples, mounting brackets, etc.) canbe utilized. Also, as the exemplary duct 110 is flexible, it can beadhered to modestly curved surfaces as well.

In further detail, FIGS. 4A, 5, and 6 show different views of exemplarydrop access box 150, where FIG. 4B shows a view of an alternative dropbox 150″, and where FIGS. 8A-8C show a further alternative access box150′. Elements described with respect to access box 150 can also beincluded in alternative access boxes 150′ and 150″, as would beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art given the presentdescription.

Box 150 includes a mounting section 160 that provides forstraightforward mounting of the box 150 onto the duct 110. Mountingsection 160 is configured to fit onto and over duct 110. In this manner,box 150 can be mounted to duct 110 after the duct (and the communicationlines therein) are already installed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5and 6, mounting section 160 includes a cut-out portion 161 configured tofit over the outer shape of duct 110. As such, outer wall portion 162overhangs duct 110 and can support access box 150 during installation.In addition, the configuration of mounting section 160 allows for box150 to be mounted onto duct 110 at nearly any location along the ductpath. This configuration allows a through hole to be drilled through thehallway wall into the living unit at a later time. In addition, thissystem configuration allows for multiple possible access box locations,including above door locations or at lower height locations in thehallway of the MDU.

FIG. 4A shows the interior region of access box 150. In this region, oneor more communications lines disposed within duct 110 can be accessedand connected to one or more drop wires or drop fibers of a particularliving unit. In this particular exemplary aspect, a fiber 122 from duct110 can be coupled to drop fiber cable 124 from a particular livingunit. In another aspect, more than one fiber from the duct can beaccessed at this location. The communication fiber(s) 122 can beaccessed either through a separate window cut made to the conduitportion 112 of the duct or through the slit 114 already formed in duct110, depending on the particular configuration of the duct.

In one aspect, access box 150 can accommodate one or more couplingdevices, such as optical splices, couplings or adapters for connectingstandard optical connectors. In this example, the mounting section 160can further include a support portion or overhanging bridge 164 that canadd strength to the mounting section and provide additional protectionto any exposed fiber(s) from the duct. In addition, the overhangingbridge support 164 can also include one or more splice holders 176configured to accommodate a fusion and/or mechanical splice. The basesection 152 of the access box 150 can also include a coupling mountingarea 178 that includes one or more adapter or coupling slots, bracketsand/or leaf springs to receive an optical fiber connector adapter orcoupling 180 of one or several different types. In an alternativeaspect, the splice holders and the coupling mounting area 178 can beplaced in a different area of the access box. In a further alternative,the cover 190 can be configured to include a coupling mounting area.

In a further alternative for access box 150′, such as shown in FIG. 4B,the overhanging bridge support can be removed and one or more splicesmay be held in a splice holder section 176′ formed at or near thecoupling mounting area 178. In addition, one or more splices may be heldin a splice holder section 179′ positioned at or near tab 192 formed inthe slack storage section 170 of the base 152.

The access box 150 can further include a fiber slack storage section 170to route the accessed fiber. In this example, fiber 122 can be routed(either from the left hand side or right hand side of the mountingsection) along one or more fiber guides 171. The fiber is protected fromover-bending by bend radius control structures 173 formed in or on thebase 152 in the fiber slack storage section. The fiber slack storagesection 170 can include both long and short fiber loop storagestructures, such as shown in FIG. 4A. In addition, the coupling/adapterorientation can be independent of the service fiber entry point. Also,the wrap direction of the fiber can be reversed using a cross-oversection provided in the fiber slack storage section 170 for consistencyin mounting configuration of the connectors used within the access box.The fiber slack storage section 170 can also include one or moregripping structures or teeth 172 (see FIGS. 4B and 8A) formed on or aspart of the fiber guides and/or bend radius control structures tofurther grip the jacket portion of the cables being stored therein. Inthe example of FIG. 4A, up to 50 feet of 900 μm buffered fiber and up tothree feet of 3 mm fiber slack can be stored in access box 150. In analternative aspect, the cover 190 can also accommodate slack storage.

In one aspect, fiber 122 comprises a tight bend radius, 900 μm bufferedoptical fiber. Such an optical fiber cable is commercially available asBendBright XS™ Single Mode Optical Fiber, from Draka Communications.Also in this aspect, drop cable 124 can comprise a 2.9 mm jacketed dropcable commercially available as ezPatch™ cabling and ezDrop™ cablingfrom Draka Communications.

The fiber 122 can be guided to the splice holders 176 or the mountingarea of the coupling 180 depending on the type of coupling to beutilized in connecting to the drop fiber cable. The coupling 180 may beprovided in the access box or it may be supplied by the installer andmounted in the coupling mounting area. The coupling 180 can comprise aconventional in-line optical fiber coupler or adapter.

In the example of FIG. 4A, fiber 122 is field terminated with an opticalfiber connector 182. For example, connector 182 can comprise an opticalfiber connector that includes a pre-polished fiber stub disposed inferrule that is spliced to a field fiber with a mechanical splice, suchas described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,369,738. The fiber 122 can be coupled toa drop cable 124 having a connector 184, such as a conventional SCconnector, via coupling or adapter 180. Other conventional connectorscan be utilized for connectors 182 and 184, as would be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art given the present description.

This exemplary design provides for the placement of splices and/orconnectors within the access box 150 without the need for additionalsplice trays, inserts, or extra components. Further, connector couplingcan be removed independently (e.g., to connect/disconnect fibers/wires)without disturbing the slack storage area. Moreover, all connections canbe housed entirely inside the access box 150, increasing installationefficiency and cabling protection.

The drop cable 124 can be a conventional fiber cable such as a 2.9 mmjacketed fiber cable (e.g., an ezDrop Cable, available from DrakaCommunications) or blown fiber cabling (containing multiple discretebuffered fibers). The drop cable can be run in either direction (i.e.,to or from the access box 150), and can (or not) be pre-connectorized atone or two ends (e.g., a pre-connectorized pigtail of 3 mm jacketcable). In one aspect, the drop cable can also be routed within accessbox 150 via guides 171 and bend radius control structures 173. The dropcable 124 extends into an individual living unit through an opening 175formed in base 152. The opening 175 corresponds in location with a holebored or drilled in the wall outside of the individual living unit. Inaddition, the opening 175 can be much larger than the hole drilled intothe wall to the living unit so that less precision is required and inorder to accommodate potential barriers within the wall (e.g., studs,pre-existing wiring, etc.).

To provide further support and bend control for the drop cable 124,access box 150 can include (as a separate component) a bend radiuscontrol anchor 185 (see FIG. 7). The anchor 185 can grip a portion ofdrop cable 124 using one or more griping clips 187. The anchor 185 canalso include slots 189 to accommodate zip-ties for fiber anchoring, toreduce the risk of over-bending and/or fiber pull out. In addition, thedrop cable 124 can be protected from overbending as the anchor 185includes a curved region 186, whose curvature is configured not toexceed the minimum bend radius of the drop cable. Optionally, the anchor185 can be securely mounted onto the wall using an anchoring post 188.Alternatively, the post 188 can be omitted and the anchor can be mountedto the access wall via an adhesive or fastener. As shown in FIG. 5, theanchor 185 can guide the drop cable from the box 150 through the hole orbore drilled into the living unit. The drop fiber cable can beterminated on the other end at an optical network terminal (ONT), suchas a single family unit optical network terminal (SFU ONT) or wall box(e.g., a 7342 Indoor Optical Terminal, available from Alcatel-Lucent),such as ONT 205 shown in FIG. 10. Excess drop cable can be stored in theslack storage section 170 of the access box. As shown in FIG. 6, anchor185 extends into the access wall, helping reduce the profile of theaccess box 150, while maintaining proper bend radius for the drop cable.

In an alternative aspect, such as shown in FIG. 4B, the drop cable 124can enter or exit the access box 150″ via a strain relief channel 193formed as an integral portion of the base 152. A cable tie (not shown)or similar fastening device can be utilized to secure the drop cable 124to the strain relief cable channel 193.

As mentioned above, the access box 150 can house one or more connectorcouplings for standard format optical connectors. Also, access box 150can be used to house one or more optical splitters, such as a planarlightguide circuit (PLC) optical splitter or a fused biconic taper (FBT)optical splitter. In addition to the coupling, routing and splicingcomponents described above, access box 150 can be configured to holdother types of components and/or equipment, such as a security camera,alarm, fire detection/protection equipment, entrance key, a door bell,RFID card reader, and/or a battery or batteries.

The access box 150 further includes a rear surface 154 that can beplaced flush against a wall, floor, or ceiling. In one aspect, accessbox 150 can be finally secured to a wall, floor, or ceiling via anadhesive, such as an epoxy. Alternatively, access box 150 can be finallysecured to a wall, floor, or ceiling via a conventional fastener such asa screw, that mounts the box onto the wall via designated locations 158located in the base 152 (see FIG. 4A).

In addition, the access box 150 can include slot 159 formed on a tabthat allows an installer to secure the cover 190 to the box 150 (e.g. byhanging the cover from the access box) during installation when theinterior of the box is accessed. Moreover, cover 190 can include one ormore mounting slots, snap features, or brackets for storage ofcomponents, e.g., adapters, when not in use.

In another aspect, an alternative access box 150′ is shown in FIGS.8A-8C. While many of the features of access box 150′ are similar tothose of access box 150, the access box 150′ can include severaladditional features (the cover is not shown for simplicity). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 8A, the fiber slack storage section 170′,which can route the accessed fiber, can include one or more sets ofteeth 172. These teeth 172 are configured to provide further strainrelief. In this aspect, one or more of sets of teeth 172 can receive thecable that connects the adapter or coupler in the box 150′ (such asadapter or coupler 180 shown in FIG. 4A) to the SFU ONT in the livingunit. The teeth can grip the jacketing of the cable and reduce the riskof inadvertent disconnection. For example, the teeth provide an anchorfor the cabling and can indicate to an installer winding the cable atthe FDT that no more cable slack remains.

In addition, as is shown in FIG. 8B, drop access box 150′ can include amounting section 160′ that provides for straightforward mounting of thebox 150′ onto a duct mounted with either a flange-side up or aflange-side down. In this manner, for example, cut-out portion 161′ isconfigured to fit over the outer shape of duct 110 regardless of theduct's orientation. As mentioned previously, while the exemplary ductincludes a mounting surface formed as a single flange positioned (inuse) below the conduit portion, in an alternative aspects, the flangecan be centrally located adjacent the conduit portion. In a furtheralternative, the duct can include a second flange portion for addedsurface area support.

Also, as is shown in FIG. 8C, drop access box 150′ can include a rearsurface 154′ that includes a raised border ledge 155. The raised borderledge can allow the box to maintain a flat appearance (when viewed from,e.g., the hallway of the MDU) by raising the main rear surface of thebox 150′ off of the mounting wall or surface, which may have one or moresurface irregularities. In addition, the rear surface 154′ can includeraised bosses 158′ which are located at the screw/fastening locations.

In another aspect, a drop access location system 100 configured toaccommodate horizontal cabling can be installed in the hallway orpassageway of an MDU in the following manner. In this example, the ductthat is utilized is shaped similar to duct 110 described above and theaccess box that is utilized is configured similar to access box 150described above. This exemplary duct can be extruded at the factory andthe back surface of the flange can be fitted with an adhesive tape witha removable liner. In addition, the duct can be pre-populated with aplurality of loosely packed 900 μm buffered fibers disposed in theconduit portion. The duct can be housed on a spool for delivery andstorage prior to mounting.

The duct is mounted to a wall of an MDU hallway by removing the adhesiveliner and placing and pressing the duct to the wall at a pre-selectedheight above the doorways of the living units. Alternatively, the ductcan be mounted at a different height, for example, along the base boardof the hallway. The entire perimeter of the hallway can be installedwith the duct at this initial stage. In addition, it is preferred tokeep an excess amount of duct available beyond the anticipated positionof the furthest access box location to accommodate a suitable amount ofslack for the service fiber for the furthest living unit. Locations foraccess box mounting can be marked. An exemplary tool and system forinstalling the duct is described in more detail below.

Optionally, a first access box can be installed at a first droplocation, preferably the drop access box is installed at a locationfurthest downstream from the telecommunications cabinet. The accessboxes can be installed one at a time or the entire hallway can bepopulated with drop access boxes during a single installation.

A window cut can be made to an outer surface of the conduit portion ofthe duct to expose one or more of the fibers to be coupled to the fiberdrop at that drop location. In one aspect, a template can be utilized bythe installer to ensure a proper length and/or depth for the window cut.The desired service fiber for that location can be cut at locationdownstream from the access box then pulled back to the mountinglocation. The desired service fiber or fibers can be removed from theduct via the window cut or, alternatively, the duct slit. The access boxcan be mounted onto the duct in an overhanging manner to cover theexposed portion of the duct, in a manner similar to that describedabove.

The desired fiber can then be spliced or otherwise terminated. In apreferred aspect, the desired fiber is field terminated using aprocedure in accordance with that described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,369,738.For example, an SC-format NPC connector (available from 3M Company (St.Paul, Minn.)) can be utilized. Alternatively, the fiber can beterminated by a commercially available fused-on connector or fusionsplicing a pigtail. In this manner, the fiber is terminated with aconnector having a standard connector format. The fiber slack can thenbe routed through the slack storage section of the access box. Theconnector end of the terminated fiber can then be received in a couplingor adapter that is provided and mounted in the coupling device mountingarea within the drop access box. Thus, the terminated fiber is “parked”in the access box awaiting a subscriber to call for service. If a fusionor mechanical splice is to be used, termination and connection can bedelayed until the time of subscription.

If a subscriber is present at the mounted access box location, a throughhole can be drilled into the wall, where the through hole location wouldbe covered by the access box. The drop cable can be fed through the wallfrom the access box into the living unit using a bend control anchoraffixed to the wall, such as anchor 185 described above, and routedthrough the slack storage section of the access box. A connection can bemade to the terminated service fiber by plugging the connectorized dropcable (e.g., field terminated, preterminated or a connector on a pigtailfiber) into the coupling or adapter.

As mentioned above, prior to a service connection or hookup at the firstdrop location, each of the other drop access boxes can be mounted inaccordance with the procedures described herein so that all drop accessboxes are populated with service fiber. In this aspect, each successiveservice fiber can be identified and cut at a downstream access boxlocation and terminated as described above. Thus, each access box caninclude a “parked” service fiber awaiting hookup upon subscription.Also, the terminated service fiber can be tested to qualify the line andensure that service is ready for a subscribing customer.

As mentioned above, the drop access point or location installationmethod and system can be used for cabling applications at an MDU orother location. FIG. 10 shows an example MDU 10 that can accommodate anyof the drop access systems described herein. MDU 10 is a multi-floorstructure having a plurality of living units located therein. Oneexample floor 20 has four living units having a common hallway 25.Feeder cable 30 brings communications lines to and from building 10.These feeder lines are spliced to the MDU's cabling at a splice closure40. The building feeder lines 50 are distributed to the building from afiber distribution hub (FDH) 60. Each floor includes a fiberdistribution terminal (FDT) 65 that receives communications lines viariser cable 55. In the present example, a drop access system 100coupling the communications lines from FDT 65 a can be installed onhallway 25 such as is described above, where drop access boxes 150 canbe disposed at each living unit.

As is also mentioned above, the drop access location system can beconfigured to accommodate copper communication wiring, electrical wiredrops and/or hybrid combination drops as well. In alternative aspects,the drop access location system can be configured to supply at least oneof uninterrupted DC power and AC power to an optical network terminallocated in an individual living unit at the drop location.

In one preferred aspect, FIG. 9A shows a first alternative drop accesssystem 200 that accommodates a hybrid combination drop for providingcommunications and power service, including uninterrupted power service,to an individual customer. FIG. 9C shows a second alternative dropaccess system 200′. In these examples, the hybrid systems can be used tosupply battery back-up power to the communications equipment of anindividual living unit in the event of a power outage or other emergencysituation.

In more detail, drop access system 200 includes a conduit or duct 210which contains one or more communications lines (such as ribbon/discretefibers 221 shown in FIG. 9B) and one or more power lines (such aselectrical wires 222 shown in FIG. 9B) that originate from atelecommunications closet 62 and extend to the living units accessed bythe hallway 25 of the MDU. Duct 210 can include a flange or similarflattened portion to provide support for the duct 210 as it is installedon or fastened to a wall or other generally flat surface of hallway 25.

Duct 210 can also include a conduit portion having a bore providedtherethrough in a manner similar to that described above with respect toduct 110. The bore is sized to accommodate the communications lines andpower lines disposed therein. The conduit portion can have a generallycircular cross-section or a more flattened shape in cross section, suchas is shown in FIG. 9B. Alternatively, the duct 210 may include aconduit portion having another shape, such as a rectangle, square,triangle, oval, or other polygonal shaped cross-section. The duct may beformed from a polymeric material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),making it flexible, flame retardant and robust. In addition, duct 210can further include a slit that runs the longitudinal length of the ductto provide access for inserting or removing the cable(s) and/or fiber(s)therein.

In another aspect, such as shown in FIG. 12, duct 110′ can include aninner tube 117 positioned within the bore 113 of the conduit portion 112of the duct that can provide an additional conduit to feed or blow atleast one additional fiber within the tube. The flange 115, slit 114,and surface 116 can be formed in the same manner as described above. Assuch, the inner tube can provide service to at least one additionalliving unit or to replace a damaged fiber. For example, the inner tube117 can allow a technician to insert or fish an additional communicationline to a living unit without having to re-install the duct.Furthermore, the fiber installed in the inner tube 117 may be spliced orconnected to one of a spare, currently unused fiber going forward from afiber that was dropped to provide service to a prior living unit, toprovide service to additional forward living units, or to recover adamaged fiber. The tube 117 may be formed separately or as part of theduct 110′.

System 200 further comprises one or more access boxes 250′ that arelocated at one or more access points, such as at or near the entryway ofa living unit. These drop access boxes can be designed in the samemanner as drop access box 150, described above, to accommodate couplingsto the accessed communications lines and power lines.

The communications closet 62 includes a FDT 65 a and an un-interruptedpower supply (or UPS) 67. UPS 67 includes or is connected with arechargeable battery 68. In a preferred aspect, when fully charged,battery 68 can supply at least eight (8) hours of battery backup powerfor each living unit on that floor. The communications lines 221originating from FDT 65 a and the power lines 222 originating from UPS67 can be joined and mechanically secured at an optional combiner box69. In normal operation, the UPS supplies DC power along lines 222. Thebattery 68 can supply DC power to lines 222 in the event that the UPS 67loses its regular power during an outage or the like.

As with the previous embodiments, lines for an individual living unitcan be fed into the living unit via drop access box 250 that is mountedon a hallway-side surface of wall 226. For example, the communicationfiber(s) 221 can be accessed either through a separate window cut madeto the conduit portion of the duct or through the slit already formed induct 210, depending on the particular configuration of the duct. If asubscriber is present at the mounted access box location, a through holecan be drilled into the wall, 226 where the through hole location wouldbe covered on the hallway-side by the access box 250.

The desired service fiber or fibers can be removed from the duct via thewindow cut or, alternatively, the duct slit. The desired communicationsfiber can then be spliced or otherwise terminated as is described above.In addition, the power lines 222 can be tapped using a conventionalin-line splice connector or the like to bring the emergency backup powerinto the living unit, while allowing the power lines to be accessed atother drop locations in the hallway. The fiber slack can then be routedthrough the slack storage section of the access box and the electricalsplices can be housed in box 250.

A fiber drop cable 224 a and the power tap line(s) 224 b can be fedthrough the wall 226 from the access box 250 into an optical networkterminal (ONT) 205 installed on the living unit side of wall 226. ONT205 can be configured as a conventional ONT. With this approach, aseparate back-up battery is not needed to be installed at the ONT 205.As such, each ONT on floor 20 can be provided with uninterrupted powerfrom a central location.

In another aspect, FIG. 9C shows an alternative drop access system 200′.In this alternative embodiment, the communications closet 62′ houses afully integrated unit 65′ that includes an FDT 65 a, a UPS 67 and arechargeable battery 68. The remaining components of the drop accesssystem 200′ can be similar to those components that are described abovewith respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

In another alternative aspect, an optical fiber damaged within duct 110,110′, 210 downstream of a first fiber dropped to a first living unit canbe recovered by splicing or otherwise connecting the working portion ofthe damaged fiber upstream from the FDT (e.g., FDT 65 a) to the goodspare dead fiber of the first fiber going forward or downstream towardadditional living units.

As mentioned above, the drop access system 100, 200 or 200′ can beinstalled using an exemplary installation tool and system. For example,FIGS. 11A-11C show a duct applicator tool 300 that can be used toinstall duct, such as duct 110, 110′, 210 410 described herein, onto awall of an MDU or other living unit structure. The tool 300 can behandheld or it can be attached to an extendable pole 340 or other deviceas needed. For example, the tool 300 can be housed in a cart or othervehicle. As such, tool 300 and cart can be operated manually or at leastpartially motor-driven or otherwise powered. In another aspect, FIGS.15A-15B show an alternative duct applicator tool 600 that can be used toinstall duct, such as duct 110, 110′, 210 410 described herein, onto awall of an MDU or other living unit structure. The tool 600 can behandheld or it can be attached to an extendable pole 340 or other deviceas needed.

The duct 110 can be formed the same as or similarly to duct 110, duct110′ or duct 210 described previously herein or to an alternativelyshaped duct, such as duct 410 or duct 410′ shown in FIGS. 13A and 13Band as described in more detail below. In another aspect, the flangesurface of the duct 110 comprises an adhesive-lined surface with aremovable liner. In an alternative aspect, the flange surface of theduct can comprise an adhesive that does not utilize a release liner. Ina preferred aspect, the duct 110 is populated with communication fibersand/or electrical lines prior to installation. The communication fiberscan be of various sizes and/or forms. In one aspect, the communicationfibers can be bend-insensitive fibers, having a 900 μm bufferedconstruction, such as those described previously. Access to fiberscontained in the duct can be provided through a continuous slit orthrough window cuts made in the duct at specific locations.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show cross-section views of alternative ducts 410 and410′. In the alternative aspect shown in FIG. 13A, the duct 410comprises a low-profile, adhesive-backed ribbon fiber tape. The duct 410includes a cover material 412 that may be formed from a label stockmaterial. Alternatively, cover material 412 can be formed from anextrusion, such as a PVC material. In a preferred aspect, the covermaterial 412 can be selected to provide flame resistance, such as V0flame resistance for agency listing. The cover material 412 can be apaintable material, or, in a further alternative, cover material 412 maybe covered with a decorative molding or wall paper. Optical fibers 419(shown as fibers 1-N) are disposed in a cavity portion formed betweencover material 412 and the wall or surface of installation. An adhesive416 is disposed on a mounting side of the cover material outside thecavity region 413. The adhesive backing may include a releasable liner418.

In the further alternative aspect shown in FIG. 13B, the duct 410′comprises a low-profile, adhesive-backed ribbon fiber tape. In thisaspect, a base sheet 411 is provided between the cover material 412 andthe wall or surface of installation. An additional adhesive bonds thebase sheet 411 to the wall-side of the cover material 412.

The optical fibers 419 can be disposed within cavity 413 as freefloating for straightforward extraction via a window cut or a slit overthe preferred fiber. In this configuration, excess fiber can be freelypulled from within the cavity 413 for storage and termination within theaccess box 150, thus available for service delivery to a living unit.The liner 418 is removed at the time of application of the duct to thewall or surface of installation.

Referring back to FIGS. 11A-11C, duct applicator tool 300 includes agenerally planar frame 312 formed of a rigid material such as a metal orplastic. The frame 312 supports duct channels 320 a and 320 b thatreceive the duct to be applied and provide a support surface that placesa pressing force onto the duct 110 as the duct is applied to a wall orother surface. The duct channels 320 a and 320 b are disposed on thewall-side surface 313 of tool 300 and can conform to the shape of theduct to provide more uniform support. For example, as shown in FIG. 11C,duct channel 320 b includes a groove 321 configured to conform to theshape of the duct 110. In one aspect, the duct channels 320 a and 320 bare formed of a Teflon material that can easily slide over the surfaceof the duct. In an alternative aspect, duct channels 320 a and 320 b canbe configured as rollers. By having the tool 300 pass smoothly over theduct, the likelihood of wall markings or other damage can be reduced.

One or more duct guides 315 a, 315 b are also provided to help guide theduct from its storage reel (not shown) or other location to the tool300, and in particular, to the duct channels 320 a, 320 b. The one ormore duct guides 315 a, 315 b can be disposed on or extend from eitheror both ends of the frame 312. Although two duct guides are shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B, a duct applicator tool having only a single ductguide can also be utilized. The one or more duct guides 315 a, 315 b caninclude a set of posts 314 a, 314 b, that slidingly or rollingly receivethe duct 110 as it is fed to the tool 300. The set of posts 314 a, 314 bcan also provide a surface that helps pull off the release liner of theduct 110 as the duct is continuously applied to the wall or othersurface. Thus, the tool 300 can remove the adhesive liner of the ductwhile traveling along the length of the hallway, exposing the adheringsurface to the wall just before adhesion.

As also mentioned above, the duct 110 can be mounted to the wall orother surface at a pre-selected (and adjustable) height, such as abovethe doorways of the living units or along the base board of the hallway.Accordingly, duct applicator tool 300 includes a position adjustmentmechanism, such as posts 327 a, 327 b. These posts 327 a, 327 b can beadjusted depending on the desired height of the duct location. In oneaspect, as shown in FIG. 11A, the posts can be coupled to guide wheels325 a, 325 b that ride along a reference surface, such as the bottomsurface of hallway crown molding (keeping the tool at the same heightfrom the crown molding as the tool is translated left or right along thewall) or along the top of a baseboard. In this manner, the duct can beapplied substantially parallel to the reference surface. In a preferredaspect, the wheels 325 a, 325 b are low resistance, non-marring wheels.

In another aspect, as is shown in FIG. 11B, the posts 327 a, 327 b canbe coupled to rollers 326 a, 326 b, that can roll along the surface ofthe ceiling and can place the tool 300 at a certain height below theceiling of a hallway. In addition, these rollers can be formed fromdifferent materials to provide for a stable and smooth translation ofthe tool along the wall, depending on the type of reference surface(e.g., flat, textured, etc.) being used. In a further alternativeaspect, the wheels may be covered with a woven or conformable materialto provide a smooth travel over rough surfaces.

In one aspect, in order to conform to the surface of the wall that isreceiving the duct, the tool 300 can include multiple contact points.For example, tool 300 can contact the wall or mounting surface atcontact points 322 (see FIG. 11C, which shows a rear-side view of tool300) formed on both duct channels 320 a, 320 b (only the rear side ofduct channel 320 b is shown in FIG. 11C). In addition, one or moreadditional mounting structures 318 can be mounted on frame 312 toprovide an additional contact surface or surfaces 323. The contactsurface or surfaces can be configured to minimize the rocking of thetool 300 towards or away from the wall or mounting surface during theapplication process.

As mentioned above, the tool 300 can be handheld or it can be attachedto a pole 340 or other device as needed. For example, as shown in FIG.11A a handle 335 can be provided on a swivel post 330 (enabling at leastleft-right motion and also up-down motion) to make it morestraightforward to push the tool along the wall in either direction. Thehandle 335 can be configured to be gripped by an installer's hand and/oraccommodate an extension pole or post 340. The extension pole or post340 allows the installer to continuously use the tool 300 to installduct at higher location without having to repeatedly climb and move aladder. Optionally, the handle 335 can further include a spring or otherresistance element to provide an indication to the installer that theappropriate pressing force is being made during installation.Alternatively, a secondary tool having a spring or other resistanceelement can be used to travel back over the duct to ensure a sufficientforce has been applied to the duct after the initial installation. Asshown in FIGS. 11A-11C, the swivel post 330 is disposed in a centralportion of the frame 312. In an alternative aspect, the swivel post 330can be mounted on a different portion of the frame 312 to providefurther stabilization depending on, e.g., the reference surface to beused for installation or the height at which the system is to beinstalled.

Prior to use of the tool 300 for installation of the duct, the duct 110can pre-filled with fiber (not shown) and/or electrical wires (notshown). For fiber applications, in one aspect, the fibers can bepre-terminated on one end with a fiber optic connector(s), such as aconventional SC connector or a conventional MT connector. Optionally,the duct 110 can be supplied without connectors on either end, where thefibers can be terminated in the field with a mechanical connector orsplice, or a fusion connector or splice.

In another aspect, the duct 110 can be rolled onto a reel in bulk or incustom cut lengths for deployment at the installation site. Theconnectorized end of the fiber duct can be fed into a terminal box(e.g., FDT 65 described above) and anchored appropriately. The duct 110can be fed directly into the FDT, or through a series of conduits/walls,to arrive at the FDT.

Also, prior to installation, the wall where the duct is to be mountedmay be tested and cleaned to ensure proper adhesion. For example, a testrod or weighted bar having the same adhesive backing may be utilized totest the sufficiency of adhesion.

During installation, the duct 110 is continuously fed to the tool 300from a storage reel, which can be placed on a cart. The installer canmap out the height and location of the installation and establish astarting location. At this location, a portion of the release liner canbe removed and held against the wall via tape. Also, optionally, priorto installation, liner sheets can be placed over surface irregularities(such as steps or sharp bumps). Later, during installation, as the tooltravels along the wall to a particular surface irregularity, the duct isplaced over the pre-placed liner sheets, ensuring that the duct travelssmoothly along the surface irregularity. After the tool has passed by,the liner sheet can be removed and the duct can be realigned or leveledby hand. In one aspect, the liner sheets can include a release agent toprevent the duct from adhering to the wall surface for such laterrepositioning.

In an alternative aspect, FIGS. 15A-15B show an alternative ductapplicator tool 600. Tool 600 includes a generally planar frame 612formed of a rigid material such as a metal or plastic. The frame 612supports duct channels 620 a and 620 b that receive the duct to beapplied and provide a support surface that places a pressing force ontothe (pre-filled) adhesive-backed duct 110 as the duct is applied to awall or other surface. In this aspect, the duct channels 620 a and 620 bare formed as slotted wheels or rollers that conform to the shape of theduct that rotate over the duct 110 as the duct is installed to providemore uniform support. By having the tool 600 pass smoothly over theduct, the likelihood of wall markings or other damage can be reduced.

One or more duct guides 615 a, 615 b are also provided to help guide theduct from its storage reel (not shown) or other location to the tool600, and in particular, to the duct channels 620 a, 620 b. The one ormore duct guides 615 a, 615 b can be adjustably mounted onto the frame612 and can be disposed on or extend from either or both ends of theframe 612. In addition, one or more of the duct guides 615 a, 615 b canbe disposed on the frame 612 at an angle such that, for example, ductguide 615 b can be angled away from the wall or mounting surface. Thisangled position can reduce the amount of force required to move the tool600 along the wall or other surface. In another aspect, although twoduct guides are shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, a duct applicator tool havingonly a single duct guide can also be utilized. Moreover, the one or moreduct guides 615 a, 615 b can be formed from a strong, durable materialto provide impact/damage resistance to the tool.

At least one of the duct guides 615 a, 615 b can include a liner removerflange 614 a that slidingly receives the duct 110 as it is fed to thetool 600 and provides a surface that helps continuously pull off therelease liner of the duct 110 as the duct is continuously applied to thewall or other surface. The liner removal direction is signified by arrow3 in FIG. 15A, where the liner can be further guided in the appropriatedirection by guide structure 627 a. In an alternative aspect, the linerremover flange 614 a can be reformed or replaced as a post and rollerstructure (not shown) that can smoothly support and redirect the removedliner as the tool is advanced along the wall or other surface. Thus, thetool 600 can remove the adhesive liner of the duct while traveling alongthe length of the hallway, exposing the adhering surface to the walljust before adhesion.

Duct applicator tool 600 includes a position adjustment mechanism, suchas posts 627 a, 627 b that can be adjusted depending on the desiredheight of the duct location. The posts can be coupled to guide wheels625 a, 625 b (FIG. 715A has the guide wheels removed for simplicity)that ride along the bottom surface of the ceiling or hallway crownmolding (keeping the tool at the same height from the ceiling/crownmolding as the tool is translated left or right along the wall) or alongthe top of a baseboard. In a preferred aspect, the wheels 625 a, 625 bare low resistance, non-marring wheels. In addition, in this aspect,wheels 625 a, 625 b can space the tool from the ceiling so that the duct110 is placed at a position from about 0.25 inches to about 4 inchesfrom the ceiling.

In another aspect, as is shown in FIG. 15B, the tool 600 can alsoinclude rollers 626 a, 626 b, that can place the tool 600 at a certainheight below the ceiling of a hallway. In addition, these rollers 626 a,626 b can be formed from different materials to provide for a stable andsmooth translation of the tool along the wall, depending on the type ofreference surface (e.g., flat, textured, etc.) being used. In a furtheralternative aspect, the wheels may be covered with a woven orconformable material to provide a smooth travel over rough surfaces.

Tool 600 can further contact the wall or mounting surface with supportwheels 622 a, 622 b for greater stability during installation.

Tool 600 can be handheld or it can be attached to a pole or other deviceas needed. For example, a swivel mount mechanism 630 (enabling at leastleft-right motion and also up-down motion) can be provided to make itmore straightforward to push the tool along the wall in eitherdirection. In one aspect, the swivel mechanism 630 can include a balljoint/socket construction. The swivel mechanism can be tightened orloosened by the installer, as desired, to provide a desired amount ofswiveling action or to lock in the angle of orientation of the handle.In some aspects, the mechanism 630 can be coupled to an extension rod orpost (not shown) mounted on end surface 631 that allows the installer tocontinuously use the tool 600 to install duct at a higher locationwithout having to repeatedly climb and move a ladder.

In another aspect, tool 600 can also include a pressure mechanism 650coupled to the swivel mount mechanism 630 to provide an indication tothe installer that the appropriate pressing force is being made duringinstallation. In this alternative aspect, the pressure mechanism 650 caninclude one or more compressions springs 652 a, 652 b or otherresistance element(s) coupled to a support plate structure havingmultiple plates 654 a, 654 b, 654 c (where plate 654 c is shown in FIG.15B) that are further coupled to the swivel mount mechanism 630.

In operation, an installer presses the tool against a wall or othersurface, such that duct channels 620 a and 620 b and support wheels 622a, 622 b contact the wall or other surface. When a certain amount ofpressing force is applied, the pressure mechanism 650 releases from a“parked” or non-operating position to an operating position. In theoperating position, the pressure mechanism 650 provides a floatingresistance to the swivel mount mechanism 630. The release of thepressure mechanism 650 releases from the “parked” position indicatesthat an appropriate amount of force is being placed on the tool/duct toensure sufficient adherence of the duct 110 to the wall or othersurface. The spring force can be adjusted (e.g., by changing thesprings) to accommodate for different duct sizes, shapes and adhesionrequirements. As such, a secondary tool to travel back over the duct toensure that a sufficient force has been applied to the duct is notrequired in this aspect.

As with previous aspects described above, the duct 110 can pre-filledwith fiber (not shown) and/or electrical wires (not shown). For fiberapplications, in one aspect, the fibers can be pre-terminated on one endwith a fiber optic connector(s), such as a conventional SC connector ora conventional MT connector, via coupling or other adapter, at thefactory. Optionally, the duct 110 can be supplied without connectors oneither end, where the fibers can be terminated in the field with amechanical connector or splice, or a fusion connector or splice.

As with previous aspects, the duct 110 can be rolled onto a reel in bulkor in custom cut lengths for deployment at the installation site. Theconnectorized end of the fiber duct can be fed into a terminal box(e.g., FDT 65 described above) and anchored appropriately. The duct 110can be fed directly into the FDT, or through a series of conduits/walls,to arrive at the FDT.

During installation, the duct 110 is continuously fed to the tool 600from a storage reel from either the left-hand or right-hand side of thedevice. The installer can map out the height and location of theinstallation and establish a starting location. At this location, aportion of the release liner can be removed and held against the wallvia tape. Also, optionally, prior to installation, liner sheets can beplaced over wall irregularities (such as steps or sharp bumps). Later,during installation, as the tool travels along the wall to a particularwall irregularity, the duct is placed over the pre-placed liner sheets,ensuring that the duct travels smoothly over the wall irregularity.After the tool has passed by, the liner sheet can be removed and theduct can be realigned or leveled by hand.

For corners, corner bend control pieces 501 and 551 (see FIGS. 14A-14D,for inner and outer corners) can be installed in an appropriate cornerlocation prior to the duct 110 being installed. In a preferred aspect,the corner bend control pieces 501, 551 can be curved so that the duct110 and the communications lines contained therein, especially thefibers, are not subjected to over bending. For aesthetics, the cornerpieces can have a low profile.

For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B show an exemplary corner piece 501 thatis configured to cover an inner corner of a room or hallway. In thisaspect, corner piece 501 can have a two piece construction and can beformed of a suitably rigid material, such as a rigid plastic material ormetal. A base part 510 can be mounted to a wall or other surface. Inthis aspect, base part 510 includes an adhesive backing 512 to mount tothe wall. A cover part 520 covers the base part 510. The base part caninclude a flexing corner portion 515 that can conform to a wall, even ifthe wall does not have a perfect right angle corner. In the aspect ofFIGS. 14A and 14B, a slot 516 can be formed in the corner portion 515 ofthe base part 510 to allow flexing of the base part 510 at an anglegreater than 90° or less than 90°. In operation, base part 510 can bemounted to an inner corner prior to application of the duct. Uponreaching the corner part 510, the duct can be mounted on outer facingsurface 511, which bends at a sufficient bend radius at the corner toprevent over-bending damage to the duct or lines within. After mountingthe duct, the cover part 520 can be fastened to the base part 510 usinga conventional fastening mechanism. In this aspect, exemplary snapfeatures 518 are utilized. In one aspect, as is shown in FIGS. 14A and14B, the cover part 520 can have a shape that closely conforms to theouter shape of the duct, such as duct 110. Other shapes can also beutilized for aesthetics.

Similarly, for outer corners, an outer corner piece 551 can be provided,as is shown in FIGS. 14C and 14D. Corner piece 551 can have a two piececonstruction, where a base part 560 includes, for example, an adhesivebacking 562 that mounts to a wall at an outer corner, and where a coverpart 570 covers the base part 560. In the aspect of FIGS. 14C and 14D, acorner portion 565 of the base part 560 can be constructed so as toallow flexing of the base part 560 for outer angles greater than 90° orless than 90°. In operation, base part 560 can be mounted to an outercorner prior to application of the duct. Upon reaching the corner part560, the duct can be mounted on outer facing surface 561, which bends ata sufficient bend radius at the corner to prevent over-bending damage tothe duct or lines within. After mounting the duct, the cover part 570can be fastened to the base part 560 using a conventional fasteningmechanism, such as snap features 568. In a preferred aspect, as is shownin FIGS. 14C and 14D, the cover part 570 can have a shape that closelyconforms to the outer shape of the duct. Although not shown, inalternative aspects, the systems 100, 200, 200′ can further utilizeadditional structures such as in-plane corner pieces, duct cover pieces,and bridges (which support the duct in damaged wall sections).

In addition, in an alternative aspect, the corner pieces can eachcomprise a one piece construction. In a further alternative, a livinghinge can be utilized to close the cover onto the base portion.

The drop access location method and system described herein can lowerthe installation cost of a critical segment of the FTTX network byoffering increased speed and ease of deployment. The system componentscan also be designed to improve building hallway aesthetics important toowners and tenants, while at the same time providing a full functionslack storage access box with cable storage, fiber management, splicing,and termination all within a single box. Furthermore, the installer canmount the drop access box directly over the duct. This approach furthercontrols the sometimes intrusive nature imposed upon the buildingaesthetics and provides flexibility to the installer in terms of ductand box placement. As such, the installer can drill the necessary holeinto the apartment/office within the closure even if the closure islocated directly over a wall stud.

Moreover, conventional wall outlets most often have at least oneconnector exposed to the exterior of the box, making it susceptible todamage. Alternatively, larger conventional wall outlet boxes arefrequently used to fully enclose the termination connectivity of boththe distribution fiber and drop fiber. However, this conventionalapproach can be obtrusive and can negatively impact hallway aesthetics.

In contrast, the drop access location method and system described hereincan fully enclose the termination connectivity. In addition, the dropaccess location method and system efficiently utilizes space above thedistribution cable within a single molded part to provide space for asplice, connector, and other components without the requirement forlarger boxes with additional components such as splice trays. The dropaccess location method and system described herein provides a networktest access point without entering the FDT or a tenant's residence,therefore eliminating or reducing the potential for service disruptionto other tenants. The system facilitates a reduced labor cost used toactivate service as the drop cable to the customer is alreadypre-positioned outside the living unit, thereby avoiding the need toreturn and run a drop cable from the FDT to the ONT. The system alsoeliminates the potential for macrobends of drop cables requiring costlyservice calls and rerouting of fiber drop cables.

The drop access box can also be utilized within a living unit in caseswhere a service access point is desired without placement of the cablewithin a conventional wall outlet box (electrical box type). Thissurface-mounted wall box could be used as a connection point between theONT and the distribution cable routed to the living unit.

Moreover, the drop access location system can be configured toaccommodate a hybrid combination drop for providing communications andpower service, including uninterrupted power service, to the ONT of anindividual customer. This backup power can be supplied to each livingunit on a particular floor from a single source, thus eliminating theneed for a back-up battery in each individual ONT.

The present invention should not be considered limited to the particularexamples described above, but rather should be understood to cover allaspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims.Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the present specification. Theclaims are intended to cover such modifications and devices.

1. A system for communications access to a drop location, comprising: aduct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughout andcontaining one or more communications lines and a mounting portion tomount the duct to a generally flat surface; and an access box includinga base and a cover, the access box including a mounting section formedin the base, a slack storage section formed in at least one of the baseand the cover, and a communications line coupling device mounting areadisposed in the base, wherein the mounting section is configured to fitover an outer shape of the duct and overhang therefrom, wherein themounting section includes a cut-out portion configured to fit over theouter shape of duct, wherein the slack storage section comprises one ormore guides to route a communications line accessed from the conduitportion to the coupling device mounting area and to store excess amountsof the accessed communications line, and wherein the communications linecoupling device mounting area is configured to receive at least one of acoupling, an adapter, and a splice that connects the accessedcommunications line to a drop cable.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe coupling device mounting area is configured to receive at least oneof a fusion splice, a mechanical splice, a coupling, and an adapter. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the duct is formed from a flexiblematerial.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or morecommunications lines comprise one of a plurality of loose optical fibersand a fiber ribbon cable.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one ormore communications lines comprise at least one of a coaxial cable, acopper communication wire, and an electrical wire.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the accessed communications line comprises an opticalfiber, and wherein the optical fiber is terminated to a field terminableoptical fiber connector, and wherein the coupling device mounting areacomprises an adapter configured to receive and connect two optical fiberconnectors.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the slack storage sectionincludes one or more bend radius control structures to prevent theaccessed optical fiber from exceeding its minimum bend radius.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the drop cable comprises a pre-connectorizedfiber pigtail.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the duct mountingportion comprises a flange, and wherein the flange further includes anadhesive backing disposed on at least one surface thereof.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the drop cable is coupled to an individualliving unit in a multi-dwelling unit (MDU).
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the system is mounted in a hallway in one of an MDU, MTU, hotel,hospital, school, and apartment building.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the access box, when covered with the removable cover, has adepth of from about 0.25 inches to about 1.5 inches.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the mounting section further includes an overhangingbridge support disposed between the mounted duct and the removablecover, wherein the overhanging bridge support adds strength to themounting section and covers an exposed accessed communications line. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the duct comprises multiple longitudinalslits configured to provide separation of telecommunications services.15. The system of claim 1, wherein the duct comprises a slit formed inthe conduit portion to permit access to one or more of thecommunications lines disposed in the conduit portion.
 16. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the one or more communications lines further comprise apower line, wherein the power line supplies at least one ofuninterrupted DC power and AC power to an optical network terminallocated in an individual living unit at the drop location.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the duct further comprises an inner tubedisposed in the bore of the conduit portion to permit insertion of anadditional communication line for one of providing additional serviceand repair.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the duct comprises alow-profile, adhesive-backed ribbon fiber tape.
 19. A method forproviding communications lines to the hallway of an existing MDU, MTU,or other similar residential or commercial building, comprising:installing a duct in the hallway of the building, wherein the ductincludes one of a plurality of loosely packed buffered optical fibersand a ribbon fiber cable disposed in a conduit portion of the duct;accessing at least one optical fiber from the duct at a first fiber droplocation; installing a first drop access box at the first drop location,wherein the first drop access box includes a base and a cover, theaccess box including a mounting section formed in the base, a slackstorage section formed in the base, and a communications line couplingdevice mounting area disposed in the base, and wherein the access box ismounted onto the duct in an overhanging manner to cover the accessedfiber, wherein the mounting section includes a cut-out portionconfigured to fit over the outer shape of duct; terminating the accessedfiber; coupling the terminated accessed fiber to a coupling and mountingthe coupling in the communications line coupling device mounting area;and routing and storing fiber slack from the accessed fiber through theslack storage section of the drop access box.
 20. The method of claim19, further comprising: accessing an individual living unit of thebuilding at the first drop location, wherein a through hole is drilledinto the hallway wall at the first drop location; feeding drop cablethrough the through hole location into the living unit; and connectingthe drop cable to the accessed fiber via the communications linecoupling.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the duct is mounted to awall of a building hallway via an adhesive at a pre-selected heightabove doorways of the living units.